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  • Nexspace Launches Season 2 of MapleStory Vibe Camp Focused on Short-Form Games
    Nexspace Launches Season 2 of MapleStory Vibe Camp Focused on Short-Form Games Nexspace announced the launch of Season 2 of the MapleStory Vibe Camp, running until September 15. This season will focus on user retention, replayability, and game control mechanics, aligning with the short-form game trend.The MapleStory Vibe Camp is a competition that allows anyone to create and enjoy games using official intellectual property (IP) resources from MapleStory and artificial intelligence (AI) development tools.This camp will take place in the 'MSU Space,' a dedicated area developed in collaboration with the AI-based game creation platform, Burst Eight.The Vibe Camp was initiated to celebrate the first anniversary of the MapleStory Universe service. As AI technology lowers the barriers to game creation through coding, the competition enables users to freely develop using MapleStory's skills, characters, animations, world systems, and sound elements.In Season 1, held in June, 693 games were submitted within three weeks. According to the company, approximately 340,000 official assets were utilized, and over 88,000 game plays were recorded.Season 2 will recruit builders to create games that provide high immersion in short play sessions. In contrast, Season 1 focused on genre diversity within the platform.Nexspace has outlined three game design criteria: Short, Simple, and Tense. The aim is to support the development of games with short play sessions of 1-2 minutes, immediate retry structures, and intuitive mechanics that can be understood within three seconds without lengthy tutorials or explanations, emphasizing real-time arcade elements where player skill influences outcomes.Additionally, Season 2 will introduce the 'AI Brainstorming Persona,' an evolution from simple command-based code generation. Builders can start without ideas and develop game concepts through dialogue with AI.The AI will review game play structures, suggest variations of new mechanics, and provide active feedback on builders' ideas. A key aspect of this process is to ensure that the MapleStory universe, characters, and official assets are seamlessly integrated into the games.The total prize pool is $15,000, awarded in NXPC tokens. Various categories will be recognized, including official selections, overall excellence, category-specific awards, and a community favorite award. A special award, the 'Golden Zeng Award,' will be given to works showcasing innovative and unique gameplay.Hwang Sun-young, CEO of Nexspace, stated, "While Season 1 proved that anyone can create games using the MapleStory IP, Season 2 will be a challenge to demonstrate how much we can enhance the quality of these games." He added, "We will support builders in implementing rich narratives, deep worlds, and expanded gaming experiences that are often overlooked in fast-paced games, combining intuitive AI tools with over 20 years of MapleStory's value."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 17:40:10
  • President Lee Asks Justice Minister Jeong to Fulfill Duties Amid Resignation Request
    President Lee Asks Justice Minister Jeong to Fulfill Duties Amid Resignation Request 이재명 대통령은 18일 건강상의 이유로 면직을 요청한 정성호 법무부 장관에게 후속 인사가 이뤄질 때까지 맡은 역할을 다해 달라고 당부했다. 강유정 청와대 수석대변인은 이날 제1회 을지국무회의 및 제36회 국무회의 관련 브리핑에서 “정 장관은 건강상의 이유로 면직 요청을 해왔다”며 이 대통령의 이 같은 당부를 전했다. 강 수석대변인은 “정 장관은 그동안 국민적 요구에 따라 맡은 바 역할을 충실히 수행해 왔다”고 평가했다. 청와대는 정 장관이 면직을 요청한 구체적인 시점과 이재명 대통령의 수리 여부는 밝히지 않았다. 후속 인사까지 업무 수행을 요청한 만큼 정 장관은 당분간 법무부 장관직을 유지할 것으로 보인다. 정 장관은 이날 오전 청와대에서 열린 국무회의에 참석했다. 회의에서는 법무부와 방송미디어통신위원회가 마련한 ‘혐오 표현에 대한 제재방안’이 논의됐으며, 중대범죄수사청 출범 준비 상황도 보고됐다. 이날 오후 정 장관이 사직서를 제출했다는 보도가 이어지자, 청와대는 건강상 이유로 면직을 요청한 사실을 공식 확인했다. 정 장관의 사의가 후속 개각으로 이어질 가능성에 대해 강 수석대변인은 “이어지는 개각 일정에 대해서는 정해진 바가 없다”고 말했다. 청와대는 이날 선관위 특검에 이태한 권익위 비상임위원을 임명하기도 했다. 1966년 출생인 이 특검은 경남고와 고려대 법학과를 졸업하고 1991년 제33회 사법시험에 합격했다. 이후 울산지검·수원지검·서울남부지검 부장검사를 역임하고, 현재는 법무법인 동인에서 근무하고 있다. 또한 이 대통령은 법무부와 방송미디어통신위원회가 마련한 ‘혐오 표현에 대한 제재방안’을 보고받고 “표현의 자유를 침해하지 않는 범위 내에서 특정 지역을 비하하거나 특정 사건 피해자들을 조롱하는 행위에는 실질적인 제재가 있어야 한다”고 밝혔다. 최근 이진숙 국민의힘 의원이 주최한 국회 포럼에서 5·18 민주화운동과 광주를 폄훼하는 발언이 나온 직후라는 점에서 해당 포럼을 겨냥한 메시지라는 해석이 나온다. 다만 청와대는 이 대통령이 이 의원이나 포럼을 직접 언급한 것은 아니라고 했다. 이어 법무부와 방미통위 등 관계 부처가 협의해 혐오 표현에 대한 사전 예방책과 형사조치 등을 단계적으로 정리한 뒤 다시 보고하라고 지시했다. 청와대는 이번 지시가 이른바 ‘일베금지법’으로 불리는 특정 정보통신망법 개정안을 염두에 둔 것인지에 대해서도 선을 그었다. 강 수석대변인은 “이 대통령이 ‘실질적인 제재’라는 표현을 사용했지만 구체적인 입법안이나 사례를 언급한 것은 아니다”라며 “법무부와 방미통위 등 유관 부처가 해외 입법례와 처벌 전례, 판례 등을 꼼꼼히 살펴본 뒤 보고하라는 지시”라고 설명했다. 이 대통령은 혐오 표현에 대해 “개인 간의 갈등과 관계를 다루던 과거 방식으로 대응해서는 안 된다”며 해외 입법 사례와 처벌 전례, 제재 대상 및 관련 판례 등을 면밀하게 점검하라고 주문했다. 국무위원들은 공적 영역에 있는 정치인들의 발언으로 혐오 표현이 오히려 확산되는 측면이 있다고 지적했다. 이 대통령은 이에 깊이 공감하며 사회적으로 적대 문화가 강화되는 현상을 완화해야 한다고 강조했다고 강 수석대변인은 전했다. 2026-08-18 17:40:10
  • Yoon Han-hong Denounces Political Retaliation After Indictment in Presidential Residence Case
    Yoon Han-hong Denounces Political Retaliation After Indictment in Presidential Residence Case Yoon Han-hong, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, criticized the special prosecutor's team on August 18 after being indicted in connection with alleged favoritism regarding the relocation of the presidential residence. He described the indictment as a politically motivated act of retaliation against the opposition.In a post on his Facebook page, Yoon stated, "The special prosecutor has charged me, claiming I was involved in the selection process for the construction company, but that is not true."He emphasized that decisions related to the residence were made solely regarding its location during the task force for the relocation of the Blue House, asserting, "The selection of the company, the contract, and the actual construction were all determined after the presidential inauguration."Yoon further explained, "The discussions within the task force at that time were limited to simple interior work, which had no bearing on the qualifications of the company. Subsequently, the project was changed to an expansion after the inauguration, and issues regarding company qualifications and budget constraints arose during this process. Therefore, these matters are unrelated to the activities of the task force for the Blue House relocation."He added, "Despite this, the indictment, which inappropriately links the post-inauguration construction process to the task force's activities, is difficult to accept. I will strive to reveal the truth during the trial and will continue to fight against political retaliation."Previously, special prosecutor Kwon Chang-young indicted Yoon on charges of abuse of power and violations of the Construction Industry Basic Act. Yoon had served as the head of the task force during the presidential transition in 2022, overseeing the relocation of the presidential residence and office.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 17:40:00
  • KOSPI wipes out early gains to close below 7,000 after weeklong rally
    KOSPI wipes out early gains to close below 7,000 after weeklong rally SEOUL, August 18 (AJP) - South Korean stocks surrendered sharp early gains on Tuesday as rising global bond yields and institutional selling erased a semiconductor-led rally, while trading remained subdued. The benchmark KOSPI closed at 6,869.83 points, down 1.55 percent from the previous session, ending a five-session winning streak. The index opened at 7,127.77 and surged more than 3 percent to an intraday high of 7,216.62 before reversing course and falling as low as 6,788.78. Foreign investors remained net buyers for a fifth consecutive session, purchasing a net 91.4 billion won (US$64.7 million) of KOSPI shares, but that marked a sharp pullback from the morning, when their net purchases reached as much as 1.52 trillion won. They also bought a net 52.4 billion won in KOSPI 200 futures. Retail investors bought a net 741.5 billion won of KOSPI shares, while institutions sold a net 795.1 billion won, adding to the downward pressure later in the day. The strong start was driven by gains in U.S. chip shares during the Korean market holiday, which carried over to semiconductor heavyweights in Seoul. But the buying lost steam later in the day, and the index erased its gains to finish lower for the first time in six trading days. The sharp reversal came as trading remained thin. Although the KOSPI has recovered substantially from its late-July rout, market activity has continued to retreat from the elevated levels seen during the first-half rally. Average daily KOSPI turnover stood at 26.47 trillion won so far in August, down from 36.88 trillion won in July and the lowest monthly level this year, according to Korea Exchange data. The drop is particularly stark compared with May and June, when daily turnover averaged 50.22 trillion won and 50.35 trillion won, respectively. Activity this month is down about 47 percent from June. Trading volume has weakened even further. An average 332 million shares changed hands each day this month, also the lowest level this year and the weakest since August 2025, when the daily average stood at about 318 million shares. It is also well below the 2025 daily average of roughly 445 million shares. The divergence has left the KOSPI recovering without the broad participation that characterized its earlier rally. Foreign buying of Samsung Electronics and SK hynix has provided much of the recent support, while retail investors, a major source of liquidity during the first half, have remained cautious after heavy losses from the market plunge. The market initially shrugged off heightened Middle East tensions and a jump in international oil prices before giving up its early gains. Oil had surged after a 60-day negotiating period between the United States and Iran expired without a final agreement, while tensions intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Oman, a mediator in the talks, of possible strikes. Pressure intensified as bond yields rose across major markets. Japanese long-term government bond yields climbed to their highest levels in about three decades, raising concerns that Japanese institutional investors could shift funds from U.S. Treasurys into higher-yielding domestic debt. Only two of the KOSPI's 10 largest stocks by market capitalization finished higher. Samsung Life Insurance gained 3.16 percent to 310,500 won, while SK hynix edged up 1.03 percent to 1,662,000 won. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix had risen to around 280,000 won and 1.79 million won, respectively, in early trading. Samsung Electronics reversed course to finish 2.19 percent lower at 268,500 won. Samsung Electro-Mechanics plunged 7.57 percent to 1,440,000 won, LG Energy Solution fell 5.01 percent to 351,000 won and Hyundai Motor lost 3.97 percent to 435,000 won. Samsung Electronics preferred shares dropped 3.73 percent to 188,300 won, SK Square declined 1.65 percent to 1,135,000 won and Samsung Biologics slipped 1.10 percent to 1,531,000 won. Analysts said the decline in trading partly reflects a normalization from unusually heated conditions earlier this year, though weaker participation by retail investors has also contributed to the slowdown. The junior KOSDAQ fared even worse, snapping its own five-session winning streak. The junior index closed at 834.20, down 3.52 percent. Retail investors bought a net 389.2 billion won and foreigners purchased 36.6 billion won, while institutions sold a net 416.4 billion won. Among major KOSDAQ stocks, semiconductor laser equipment maker EO Technics gained 2.48 percent to 414,000 won, while chip equipment maker Jusung Engineering rose 0.84 percent to 179,300 won. Losses, however, were widespread across battery, biotechnology and growth stocks. Battery materials holding company EcoPro plunged 6.94 percent to 87,100 won, while cathode materials maker EcoPro BM fell 6.51 percent to 109,100 won. Robot maker Rainbow Robotics dropped 6.19 percent to 470,000 won. Biotech firms ABL Bio and Alteogen lost 5.11 percent to 79,800 won and 5.10 percent to 298,000 won, respectively. Semiconductor component maker Leeno Industrial declined 4.24 percent to 67,800 won, while chip equipment maker Wonik IPS shed 3.60 percent to 112,400 won. The Korean won strengthened slightly against the U.S. dollar, trading at 1,412.30 won, compared with 1,418.30 won at the previous session's close on Aug. 14. Across Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 2.54 percent to 67,460.73, while China's Shanghai Composite edged up 0.19 percent to 3,990.30. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was little changed, rising 0.07 percent to 25,471.15. AJP Takeaways • South Korea's benchmark KOSPI closed at 6,869.83 on Aug. 18, 2026, down 1.55 percent, after surging above 7,200 earlier in the session as an initial semiconductor-led rally reversed. • Foreign investors remained net buyers of KOSPI shares for a fifth consecutive session, purchasing 91.4 billion won, but their net buying fell sharply from as much as 1.52 trillion won during morning trading. • KOSPI trading activity remained thin despite the recent market rebound, with average daily turnover at 26.47 trillion won in August through Aug. 18, about 47 percent below the 50.35 trillion won average recorded in June 2026. • Rising global bond yields weighed on sentiment, while heightened tensions between the United States and Iran and higher international oil prices added to market uncertainty. 2026-08-18 17:39:45
  • Jang Dong-hyuk Shifts Focus to Party Dynamics Amid Ethics Committee Actions
    Jang Dong-hyuk Shifts Focus to Party Dynamics Amid Ethics Committee Actions Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is gradually shifting his focus to internal party dynamics and the National Assembly as he lays the groundwork for strengthening his leadership. This move is seen as a strategy to reorganize the party and promote both short- and long-term personnel changes. The party's Central Ethics Committee, a key component of Jang's efforts to consolidate power, has also initiated swift disciplinary actions against non-faction lawmakers.According to political sources on August 18, Jang concluded his outreach efforts at Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul, following the Liberation Day holiday. Park Seong-hoon, the party's chief spokesperson, explained to reporters the day before that this shift means focusing on issues that can be addressed within the institutional framework of the National Assembly while identifying areas where grassroots voices are needed.Jang has restructured the party's task forces, including the Evaluation Innovation for Elected Officials Task Force and the Organizational Strengthening Committee. The Evaluation Innovation Task Force is responsible for establishing criteria to assess incumbent lawmakers, while the Organizational Strengthening Committee handles appointments for troubled local party organizations. Jang argues that the opinions of party members should be reflected in the evaluation of elected officials and the selection of local party leaders, emphasizing the need to prioritize those who fight for the party.In line with this, a plan to designate all local party organizations as 'troubled' is under consideration, coinciding with the expiration of the terms of all local party leaders at the end of this month. This plan aims to address vacancies created by resignations and to initiate re-election procedures for all local party leaders. However, this proposal was not concluded in the recent Supreme Council meeting and will be discussed again on August 20.Additionally, Jang plans to announce future operational strategies for the party around August 26, marking the first anniversary of his leadership. Political analysts predict that the announcement will outline a blueprint for organizational restructuring and personnel changes, suggesting that the focus will naturally shift more towards internal party matters as the reform plan progresses.In this context, the Ethics Committee, which supports Jang's 'disciplinary politics,' is accelerating disciplinary procedures against non-faction lawmakers. On this day, the committee summoned lawmakers Jo Kyung-tae, Kwon Young-jin, Seo Beom-soo, and Jin Jong-o to its office in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, to hear their opinions regarding the allegations against them.Jin expressed his intention to file a recusal request to the Ethics Committee, but the committee reportedly urged him to proceed with the recusal request and other related procedures. Speaking to reporters at the party office, Jin stated, "The questions from the Ethics Committee felt like, 'You have done something wrong, so accept the verdict here today.' I find this approach very regrettable and uncomfortable." Jo also commented, "I think the conclusion from the Ethics Committee will come out quickly."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 17:32:00
  • Trumps move to reduce military drills stirs debate in Seoul and Washington
    Trump's move to reduce military drills stirs debate in Seoul and Washington SEOUL, August 18 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump's order last Sunday to "substantially" scale back a joint military exercise with South Korea has triggered political criticism on both sides of the Pacific, with Democrats in Washington blaming Trump for weakening a key alliance, while South Korea's conservative opposition faulted South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for allowing relations with Washington to deteriorate. Trump instructed the Pentagon to "substantially reduce" the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise just hours before it was due to begin, citing its cost, his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Seoul's refusal to join U.S. military action against Iran. The exercise's computer-simulated drills and other training began Monday and are scheduled to run through Aug. 27. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sharply criticized the move on X. "The president is making US policy friendlier to North Korea and Russia than Canada and Oman. Are you kidding me?" Clinton wrote. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia also said Trump's decision appeared to punish an ally even as Pyongyang continued its missile provocations. "North Korea tests ballistic missiles and Trump decides the problem is with... our ally, South Korea, because it has the sense to avoid joining Trump's disastrous war with Iran? Kim Jong Un couldn't buy a better deal," Kaine wrote on Facebook. The criticism crossed party lines. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis stressed South Korea's longstanding military partnership with the United States. "South Korea has been a solid military ally for over 70 years that possesses exquisite military capabilities," Tillis wrote on X, arguing that reducing the exercises would free up North Korean troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine. In Seoul, however, the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) directed its criticism at Lee rather than Trump, calling the reduction a "security disaster" brought about by the Lee administration's foreign policy. PPP Chairman Jang Dong-hyeok said the exercises were now at risk of disappearing altogether and accused Lee of failing to maintain Washington's trust. "President Trump was expressing his dissatisfaction with President Lee Jae Myung by scaling back the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises," said Rep. Choi Soo-jin, the party's chief floor spokesperson. "Trump's Truth Social post showed that he is dissatisfied with the Lee administration," said Rep. Kim Gunn, a member of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee. "I believe the underlying frustration stems from the fact that South Korea's investment commitments in the United States are not being carried out at the pace he wants," Kim added. "What North Korea fears most is South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises," said Rep. Sung Il-jong, former chair of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee. "The United States and North Korea are likely engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations at the moment," Sung said. "Investment in the United States is a matter that should be considered in light of commercial viability and South Korea's investment capacity. It should not be linked to the issue of joint military exercises," said Rep. Jin Seong-joon of the ruling Democratic Party, who chairs the National Defense Committee. "Given that South Korea is also seeking dialogue with North Korea, I believe we need to actively make use of the reduction in the exercises," Jin added, arguing that Seoul could turn the scale-back into an opportunity. The controversy comes as North Korea has launched two ballistic missiles since Aug. 6 and deepened military cooperation with Russia, raising concerns in Washington and Seoul over whether reduced allied training could weaken deterrence on the Korean Peninsula. 2026-08-18 17:29:07
  • Park Seo-bo Museum to Open in Yeonhui-dong
    Park Seo-bo Museum to Open in Yeonhui-dong "My father replenished his energy in the garden while painting in his later years. He would sit there quietly." (Park Seung-ho, Chairman of the Park Seo-bo Foundation and son of Park Seo-bo) The newly opened Park Seo-bo Museum in Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, reflects this sentiment. Instead of filling the space with artworks, it allows nature to take center stage. The small museum, covering approximately 230 pyeong, features large windows that invite in the greenery of the mountains, the red bricks of neighboring houses, and bright light. Just as the late artist Park Seo-bo (1931–2023) drew strength from his garden, his museum is infused with the energy of nature. Ahead of its opening on the 21st, the Park Seo-bo Museum, visited on the 18th, is nestled quietly within the simple scenery of Yeonhui-dong. The blue exterior, reminiscent of the sea and sky, harmonizes with the surrounding trees and blue tiles, while the distant Ansan forest adds to the ambiance. Through the clear windows, old red brick houses, gray villas, and low buildings come into view, transforming the ordinary neighborhood landscape into a picturesque scene. The museum is located next to the studio where Park Seo-bo lived and worked in Yeonhui-dong. Designed by Professor Choi Moon-kyu of Yonsei University, it spans two basement levels and three above-ground floors, with a total area of about 2,000 square meters, including three exhibition halls and an outdoor garden. The museum encapsulates Park Seo-bo's artistic vision and his perspective on nature. Visitors unfamiliar with his work need not worry; the opening exhibition, "Park Seo-bo and Huong Do Dinh: The Fullness of Emptiness," features 25 pieces that indirectly convey his artistic essence. The exhibition transitions from black hanji techniques to colorful hanji methods, culminating in his later works that resemble clear water infused with light. The small garden, filled with stones, moss, and native plants, seems to bloom from the earthy tones and dark hues found in Park Seo-bo's artworks. The vibrant red (Technique No. 100915) evokes anticipation for the upcoming autumn in Yeonhui-dong, while the grayish-white (Technique No. 230127) leads to the natural source of light or winter. As the artist once said, "When you put your hand in and push, it keeps going infinitely; that is nature," the infinite nature continues to unfold. As Huong Do Dinh noted, "There must be space to create together for something new to emerge," her 17 works are also seamlessly integrated into the museum. Chairman Park Seung-ho recalled, "Huong Do Dinh was the overseas artist my father met three months before he passed away. Although they could not communicate verbally, they exchanged ideas about their works and worldviews for about three hours." The selection of artists also reflects a commitment to uncovering underrepresented female artists. Chairman Park stated, "In this era of significant change, what the foundation can do, and what can be easily addressed, is to change perspectives. I want to focus on elevating female artists who have not received much attention in the art world or have struggled to break through the glass ceiling." The museum will be open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 5,000 won. 2026-08-18 17:28:00
  • Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Kim So-young in Gangbuk Motel Murders
    Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Kim So-young in Gangbuk Motel Murders Prosecutors have requested the death penalty for Kim So-young, the defendant in the so-called 'Gangbuk motel murders,' who allegedly caused the deaths and injuries of several men by providing them with drug-laced drinks.During a sentencing hearing on August 18 at the Seoul Northern District Court, presided over by Judge Oh Byung-hee, prosecutors sought the maximum penalty of death for Kim, who has been indicted on charges of murder and assault, and also requested a 30-year electronic monitoring order.Kim, dressed in a light green prison uniform, showed no reaction as the prosecution presented its case.The prosecution stated, "The defendant took the lives of victims who were defenseless and expressed affection towards her. The consequences of her actions, which resulted in the deaths of two men and injuries to four others, are extremely serious, and she has shown no remorse throughout the trial, indicating a very bad nature of the crime."Kim was arrested and indicted in March for allegedly giving drinks containing benzodiazepines, a central nervous system depressant that poses a risk of death when consumed in large quantities, to three men in their 20s between mid-December last year and February this year, resulting in the deaths of two and serious injury to one.Further investigation revealed that she had previously harmed three other men using similar methods, leading to additional charges in April.During the trial, Kim's defense team displayed a lack of remorse and attempted to evade responsibility regarding her motives. Kim claimed, "I only gave the drug-laced drinks to prevent unwanted physical contact from the male victims," maintaining that her actions were intended to prevent sexual assault.However, the victims' families and their legal representatives strongly refuted Kim's claims and called for severe punishment. Nam Eon-ho, a lawyer representing the victims, told reporters before the trial, "The sexual crimes that Kim So-young claims did not even exist, nor were they revealed during the investigation. This is a humiliating and cruel secondary victimization for the families."He added, "Kim So-young is a serial killer who emerged in a modern era where serial killings are virtually impossible," urging the prosecution and the court to impose the maximum penalty.Family members of the victims present at the trial also pleaded, "We ask the court to fully consider the gravity of the crimes committed by Kim So-young and to please impose the death penalty," as they fought back tears.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 17:20:00
  • U.S. Forces Korea Commander Visits Defense Ministry Amid Training Reduction Talks
    U.S. Forces Korea Commander Visits Defense Ministry Amid Training Reduction Talks Amid directives from President Donald Trump to reduce U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, U.S. Forces Korea Commander Javier Brunson visited the South Korean Defense Ministry on August 18 for discussions.Brunson was spotted by reporters as he arrived at the ministry in Yongsan, Seoul, and stayed for about 20 minutes. He only mentioned that there was a 'meeting' when leaving, but did not provide details on whom he met or what was discussed.It is reported that Brunson met with Defense Minister An Gyu-baek during his visit. The two sides are expected to have discussed follow-up measures in response to Trump's directive to scale back joint military exercises.On August 16, Trump stated on social media platform Truth Social that he was not pleased with the longstanding agreement for the U.S. to participate in joint military exercises with South Korea, considering his 'very good relationship' with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to significantly reduce the scale of these exercises.The following day, the U.S. Department of Defense expressed its commitment to actively work on implementing the commander-in-chief's directives.As a result, there are expectations that U.S. and South Korean military authorities may begin concrete discussions on reducing joint exercises. Notably, the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, which started on August 17 and is aimed at defending the Korean Peninsula in case of emergencies, could also be subject to reductions. Given the clear directive from Trump, it is likely that the U.S. Department of Defense will convey specific proposals or requests regarding the reduction of joint exercises to South Korea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 17:16:10
  • President Lee Warns Seoul Mayor Oh Against Housing Price Surge
    President Lee Warns Seoul Mayor Oh Against Housing Price Surge President Lee Jae-myung stated on August 18 during a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House that he opposes Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's calls for easing real estate regulations, saying, "We should aim to increase supply, but we must not raise the possibility of skyrocketing housing prices."Lee made these remarks in response to Oh's suggestions regarding the relaxation of floor area ratio regulations, restrictions on the transfer of membership rights in housing cooperatives, and the proportion of rental housing, as reported by Chief Blue House Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong during a briefing at the Chunchugwan.However, Lee noted that there could be a way to maximize positive aspects while minimizing negative ones, directing Prime Minister Han Seung-soo to explore various opinions to find ways to increase housing supply.In particular, the Blue House refuted Oh's claim made on social media after the Cabinet meeting that he had clearly expressed opposition to building apartments in Yongsan Park. Kang stated, "There appear to be inaccuracies in that assertion," adding, "We have not heard anything regarding Yongsan Park."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 17:16:00